Lot 3031

Description

Tasmania, letter dated 7 March 1855 addressed to George W. Walker, Savings Bank, Hobart Town, V.D.L., from E.E.Barrington, postmarked at Melbourne Ma 7 and Launceston 9 Mar, a scarce ship mail letter, in which writer apologises to an 'esteemed friend' for leaving so suddenly; also a receipt type letter to Dublin and postmarked on sending, 'Hobart Town, VDL, 1840, also another stamp for India Letter, Plymouth, 1840. Good very fine; fine, both scarce. (2)

George Washington Walker was born in London, England on 19 March 1900. He was raised by his grandmother in Newcastle and in 1828 formed the first Temperance Society in Newcastle. In 1831 he embarked in company with James backhouse on a nine year mission to the Australian and South African colonies. When he left South Africa he went to Hobart Town in 1840 to marry Sarah Benson Mather, a quaker. In 1841 he and some friends established a linen drapery store and also distributed bibles and religious articles from it. In 1845 he started the Hobart Savings Bank and managed it for several months without pay but soon it grew and required his full time service. He continued to promote his religious views until his death on 2 February 1859. There is a published book titled, The Life and Labours of George Washington Walker: Of Hobart Town, Tasmania by James Backhouse (London 1862).



With research.